Square Rigged Sail Wind Turbine

ABSTRACT

A square rigged sail wind turbine includes a vertical main shaft (with a vertical axis of rotation), with parallel horizontal yardarms, cross-connected and corner braced, to the vertical main shaft. A sail assembly is included that comprises rectangular sails in frames pivotally attached at the tip of parallel horizontal yardarms. The rectangular sails in frames are configured to move between a closed position and an open position relative to the parallel horizontal yardarms. An outer support structure made of vertical columns with lateral cross bracing, joins together at the vertical main shaft in the middle and top, and is coupled thereto with self-aligning split bearings. The support columns are anchored to the ground firmly with three-way guy-wire in two places on each column, thereby providing more support to the structure. Thus, the present invention is an improved technique for providing wind power to produce electrical energy at ground level.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This is a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 61/297,460, filed on Jan. 22, 2010, and entitled, “Square RiggedSail Wind Turbine.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of Invention

The present invention relates to wind turbines and, more particularly,to a vertical-axis wind turbine that is a square rigged sail windturbine.

(2) Description of Related Art

There is a need expressed to accommodate the populace of the planet withusable renewable electrical energy. For example, solar, wind, andgeothermal power have been identified as energy sources that can be usedto generate electricity. While some regions of the planet include vastsources of geothermal power, many regions of the planet are not asfortunate. Although solar and wind sources suffer from the problem ofbeing intermittent in nature, recent advancements in technologies havemade wind and solar energy an attractive and economically feasiblesolution to fulfill the deficiency in electrical power sources on theplanet. Although solar energy may be an attractive renewable energysource, this application is directed to wind power.

For centuries wind power has been a source of energy and has beenharnessed in various ways, with a clear distinction in the manner inwhich wind energy is harnessed. In particular, there are horizontal-axiswind turbines and vertical-axis wind turbines.

In these modern times, the most common method for harnessing wind energyhas been to use a horizontal-axis wind turbine. While horizontal-axiswind turbines have been promoted as being the more efficient typecompared to other methods, they present several disadvantages. Forexample, horizontal-axis wind turbines have to be turned into the windto start functioning. Also, they have a relatively high cut-in windspeed for operation and a low cut-out wind speed. This allows for only arelatively narrow window of operation, beyond which they are prone todamage. Another problem associated with the horizontal-axis design isthat they typically require a gale force wind to produce power. Further,horizontal-axis wind turbines can be extremely high above a groundsurface, making it difficult for technicians to perform much neededrepairs. Due to such heights, technicians are largely exposed to graverisks as they provide maintenance service in adverse weather conditions.

As an alternative to the traditional wind turbine, vertical-axis windturbines have been generated that change the axis of rotation of theturbine. The vertical-axis wind turbines improve the safety of servicingand maintenance duties as such services are performed much lower to theground.

More specifically, in the 1920's, a French inventor by the name ofGeorges Jean Marie Darrieus designed a vertical-axis wind turbine thathas been referred to as the “Darrieus design” or “eggbeater”. TheDarrieus design uses a series of sails that are fixed at a set angle andarranged symmetrically around a vertical-axis. The symmetry of the sailsprovides a very effective means of generating a rotational force to thevertical shaft axis. Such vertical-axis wind turbines are used today ontall buildings to utilize the high wind velocity in higher altitudes.Unfortunately, sail fatigue, which causes premature failure of thesystem, is a common problem associated with the Darrieus design.

As an alternative to the Darrieus design, U.S. Pat. No. 4,449,053,issued to Kutcher, teaches a vertical-axis wind turbine that usesvertically positioned rotor blades. Blades are connected both at the topand bottom of a vertically extending rotor tube. While the Kutcherdesign does not includes sails that will fatigue, the verticallypositioned rotor blades do not easily capture wind at all angles,thereby reducing their effectiveness.

Another variation is the Giromill Cycloturbine, shown in U.S. Pat. No.7,315,093, issued to Graham. The Giromill Cycloturbine has sails mountedsuch that the sails can rotate around an axis. The design of theCycloturbine allows the sails to be pitched such that the sails arealways at an angle relative to the wind. A main advantage to this designis that the torque generated remains almost constant over a fairly wideangle. Therefore, a Cycloturbine with three or four sails has a fairlyconstant torque. Predetermining the range of angles, the torqueapproaches a possible maximum torque, wherein the system generates morepower. The system also has the advantage of being able to self start bypitching the down-wind moving sails flat to the wind to generate dragand start the turbine spinning at a low speed. One drawback to thisdesign is that the sail pitching mechanism is complex and generallyheavy, and a wind direction sensor must be added to the design in orderto properly pitch the sails.

Currently, the commercial application of wind energy harnessing isprimarily, if not exclusively, horizontal-axis wind turbines even thoughvertical-axis wind turbines avoid most of the disadvantages inherent inthe horizontal-axis design. For example, vertical-axis wind turbines areomni-directional and have a lower cut-in wind speed and higher cut-outspeed, thus making the window of operation wider. Also, vertical-axiswind turbines have components that need servicing located at the bottomend of the structure making access more convenient. Vertical-axis windturbines also allow for lower-ratio gearboxes, which are less expensiveand more efficient than gearboxes needed to operate horizontal-axis windturbines. Further, vertical axis wind turbines are able to operate at ahigher wind speed and at lower risk of suffering wind damage. Finally,vertical-axis wind turbines adapt to a simpler design and construction.

Thus, there is a continuing need for a vertical-axis wind turbine thatcaptures the inherent advantages of the vertical-axis design, yetimproves upon the drawbacks of existing vertical-axis designs.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

While considering the failure of others to make use of all of the abovecomponents in this technology space, the inventor unexpectedly realizedthat a vertical-axis wind turbine with sails that are pivotally attachedto parallel and horizontal yardarms would provide an improved designwithout the drawbacks of the prior art.

Thus, the present invention is directed to a square rigged sail windturbine that includes one or more stacked sail assemblies. Each sailassembly includes a main shaft having a vertical axis of rotation, witheach successive sail assembly in the stack sharing the main shaft orotherwise having main shafts that are connected such that they share thevertical axis of rotation. Each sail assembly includes one or more yardarms that extend horizontally from the main shaft. For example, a firstset of horizontal and parallel yardarms extend from the main shaft. Afirst and second sail are pivotally connected with and between theyardarms such that each of the sails pivot about a sail pivot axis. Thesails are attached with the yardarms such that the main shaft is centraland positioned between the sails.

A second set of parallel yardarms can be included that extend from themain shaft approximately perpendicularly to the first set of parallelyardarms. In this aspect, the second set of parallel yardarms alsoincludes two sails pivotally connected between each of the yardarms.Thus, although not limited thereto, in this aspect, the first sailassembly includes four sails.

A lanyard is connected between each sail and a neighboring yardarm forlimiting motion of each sail about the sail pivot axis. Through use ofthe lanyard or stops, several stages occur as wind blows upon the sails,thereby allowing the sail assembly to effectively capture and releasewind as it rotates around the main shaft.

Support columns and lateral supports are included to connect with thevertical main shaft and for anchoring with a ground surface to supportthe main shaft in a vertical orientation. At the bottom of the windturbine is a main deck. Ball-joint four roller thrust bearing areincluded for positioning on the main deck, with the main shaft passingtherethrough. The thrust bearings provide stability to the main shaftand support weight of the sail assemblies. Roller bearings are alsopositioned through the main deck. The main shaft passes through thethrust bearings and roller bearings, leaving a shaft stem that extendsbelow the main deck. The shaft stem passes through the bearings toprovide the power take off to a power take off system.

Finally, as can be appreciated by one in the art, the present inventionalso comprises a method for forming and using the wind turbine describedherein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following detailed descriptions of the various aspectsof the invention in conjunction with reference to the followingdrawings, where:

FIG. 1A is a perspective-view illustration of a frame structure for asingle tier of a sail assembly for a wind turbine according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 1B is a perspective-view illustration of a set of sails for asingle tier of a sail assembly for the wind turbine according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 1C is a perspective-view illustration of a single tier of the sailassembly for the wind turbine according to the present invention,depicting the sails as attached with the frame structure to complete thesail assembly;

FIG. 1D is a side view illustration of a single tier of a wind turbineaccording to the present invention, depicting a single sail assembly;

FIG. 2 is a top-view illustration of a sail assembly, showing the orderin sequence of four rectangular sails in action;

FIG. 3 is a top-view illustration of a sail assembly of a wind turbine,showing the impact on the sails as wind approaches from an oppositedirection of that depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is a perspective-view illustration of a wind turbine constructedin accordance with the present invention, showing the relativity of anarrangement of sails in action;

FIG. 4B is a top-view illustration, depicting multiple tiers of sailassemblies as engaged by wind;

FIG. 5 is a side-view illustration of the wind turbine;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of power take-off and a power take-off systemaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side-view illustration of a wind turbine according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 8A is a top-view illustration, depicting two sails attached withthe sail assembly structure;

FIG. 8B is a top-view illustration, depicting three sails attached withthe sail assembly structure; and

FIG. 9 is an illustration of opposite counter-rotating rotors with sailassemblies that rotate in opposite directions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to wind turbines and, more particularly,to a vertical-axis wind turbine that is a square rigged sail windturbine. The following description is presented to enable one ofordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and toincorporate it in the context of particular applications. Variousmodifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applicationswill be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generalprinciples defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments.Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to theembodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistentwith the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the presentinvention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limitedto these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures anddevices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in orderto avoid obscuring the present invention.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which arefiled concurrently with this specification and which are open to publicinspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papersand documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the featuresdisclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims,abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features servingthe same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly statedotherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each featuredisclosed is only one example of a generic series of equivalent orsimilar features.

Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state“means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing aspecific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step”clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. Inparticular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is notintended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.

Please note, if used, the labels left, right, front, back, top, bottom,forward, reverse, clockwise and counter clockwise have been used forconvenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particularfixed direction. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locationsand/or directions between various portions of an object.

(1) Description

The present invention is a vertical-axis turbine for generatingelectricity. In other words, the turbine is configured such that windenergy causes a series of sails to rotate about a vertical (orsubstantially vertical) axis. It should be understood that although thepresent invention is described with respect to wind and wind direction,it is not intended to be limited thereto as the turbine of the presentinvention can be also applied as a water-driven turbine with sails (orin the case of water, paddles) that are driven via a water current.

For an understanding of turbine construction and functionality, FIGS. 1Athrough 1C illustrate the construction of a single tier of the turbineaccording to the present invention. More specifically, FIGS. 1A through1C illustrate the construction of an example sail assembly 100. As shownin FIG. 1A, the turbine includes a sail assembly having a central andvertical main shaft 102 (e.g., elongated rod) that has a vertical shaftaxis 101 of rotation. The sail assembly includes a first, top yardarm104 and a second, bottom yardarm 106 that extend horizontally from themain shaft 102 as parallel and horizontal yardarms. The yardarms 104 and106 are secured with the main shaft 102 using any suitable technique. Asa non-limiting example, the yardarms 104 and 106 are cross-connected andcorner braced 108 to the vertical main shaft 102. It should also benoted that although the present invention describes both a top yardarm104 and bottom yardarm 106, the invention is not limited thereto as anysuitable number or configuration of the yardarms is within the scope ofthe present invention. For example, a single yardarm can be employed,where the sail hangs from the yardarm and pivots about a pivot axis.However, as described above, it is desirable to have both a top yardarm104 and bottom yardarm 106 to support the sails 110.

Additionally and as shown in FIG. 1B, the present invention uses aseries of sails 110 that are formed to pivotally connect with theyardarms. As will be understood by the description below, each of thesails 110 also include lanyards 112 (depicted as the dashed lines) thatare used to limit the motion of the sails 112.

FIG. 1C depicts the sails 110 as attached with the yardarms 104 and 106to form the sail assembly 100. Each of the sails 110 (e.g., first 103,second 105, third 107, and fourth 109 sails) are pivotally attached witha tip of the yardarms 104 and 106 about a sail pivot axis 111. The sails110 are pivotally attached with the yardarms 104 and 106 using anypivotal attachment technique. As a non-limiting example, each of thesails 110 is simply tied up to the tips of the yardarms 104 and 106. Asyet another non-limiting example and as depicted in FIG. 1D, each of thesails 110 can be formed to include a sleeve therethrough 116. A rod 118passes through the sleeve 116 and pivotally (rotatably) connects witheach of the top yardarm 104 and bottom yardarm 106, thereby allowing thesails 110 to pivot about the sail pivot axis 111 while the yardarms 104and 106 rotate about the shaft axis and rotate the main shaft 102. Asyet another non-limiting example, a cloth sail material 113 can bestitched to a sail frame 115 (to collectively form the sail 110) that isrotatably connected with each of the yardarms.

It should be noted that although the sail assembly 100 depicted in FIG.1C has two parallel yardarms 104 and 106, the invention can be devisedto have any suitable number of yardarms to support the sails 110. Itshould also be noted that the present invention can be devised toinclude multiple sets of parallel and horizontal yardarms that extendfrom the main shaft 102 on a single level. For example and as depictedin FIG. 1C, there are two sets (a first set and a second set) ofparallel (top and bottom) yardarms that are approximately orthogonally(i.e., perpendicular) positioned with respect to one another (each setof yardarms having two sails 110).

As a non-limiting example and as depicted in FIG. 1D, the wind turbineand corresponding sail assembly 100 can be formed with a third parallelyardarm 130 with corner bracing 108 above and below respectfully,between each of the top and bottom parallel yardarms 104 and 106. Inthis aspect, each rectangular sail frame structure/assembly would havethree parallel yardarms attached to the vertical main shaft 102.

Referring again to FIG. 1C, because the sails 110 are pivotallyconnected with the yardarms 104 and 106, the sails are blown by the windto rotate about the sail pivot axis 111. As illustrated, the lanyards112 connect the sail tip 120 with a yardarm tip 122 of neighboringyardarm 104 or 106. Each lanyard 112 serves to limit the motion of thecorresponding sail 110. For example, a lanyard 112 can also be used toprevent the sails from opening past the 90 degree, margin. The lanyard112 is any suitable item that can be affixed with the sail to prevent itfrom overextending or opening, a non-limiting example of which includesa rope, wire, bungee, chain, etc., that is affixed with an end of thesail 110 and some other point on the wind turbine, such as the point ofattachment of an adjacent sail or the neighboring yardarm. In anotheraspect and as an alternative to the lanyard 112, an L-shaped angled stopcan be used behind the pivotally attached sail frame structure toprevent the sails from opening further than 90 degrees (or any otherdesired angle setting).

For further understanding, FIG. 2 is an overhead view of the sailassembly 100, looking down at four individual stages of sails 110 inaction. Stage A, B, C, and D, are shown to depict the sequence of orderthat the sails 110 move from one stage to the next. Also depicted is howthe lanyards 112 limit the motion of the sails 110 as the lanyard 112becomes taught and prevents the sail 110 from pivoting further about thesail pivot axis 111.

When the wind is active, four general stages take place, depicted asStages A, B, C, and D, and further described as follows:

-   -   A. Stage-A: The sail is trimmed closed (closed position), in the        down wind direction, and in the process for the power stage        (i.e., Stage B).    -   B. Stage-B: The sail is broadside to the wind, bearing excessive        push power in a vigorous and intense rotating mechanical motion        into Stage C.    -   C. Stage-C: By combining centrifugal force with push-power, the        sail opens trim, causing no resistance as it comes about into        Stage D.    -   D. Stage-D: The sail continues to remain in an open position,        trimmed to the wind, causing no resistance to rotation, then        back to Stage A.

Adjusting the angle of pitch that the sails (e.g., square or rectangularsails) in the frames close and open from 90-degree open, to 45-degreeclosed, at the tip of the parallel and horizontal yardarms, stimulatesan increased display of sail activity with a full-scale range of motionthat improves the overall performance in wind and in water.

It should be understood that the drawings display sails that open andclose 90-degree at the tip of yardarms. The sails do actually open to90-degree at the tip of parallel yardarms, but sails close only45-degree, to quicken the action. It should also be understood that thedegrees described herein are but one non-limiting example of suitableranges of motion. For example, as can be understood by one skilled inthe art, the ranges (i.e., degrees of motion) of the sails can movebetween any suitable ranges to provide wind capture and sail operation(e.g., 42 degrees to 92 degrees, etc.).

The ability of the sail 110 to pivot about the sail pivot axis 111allows the wind turbine to efficiently capture wind from any direction.Thus, the sails can adjust to function oppositely making rotationomni-directional, in any wind direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the windapproaches the wind turbine in a first direction. Alternatively and asshown in FIG. 3, the wind approaches the sail assembly 100 of the windturbine in a second direction which is substantially opposite to thefirst direction depicted in FIG. 2. Nevertheless, as shown, the sails110 pivot about the sail pivot axis 111 to capture the wind and rotatethe turbine. Also as shown, the lanyards 112 limit to the motion of thesails 110 to efficiently capture the wind. Although not required, theturbine can be formed such that the lanyards 112 are loose 300 in oneconfiguration yet taught 302 in another configuration. For example, whenthe sail 110 is blown such that it points directly toward theneighboring yardarm 304, the distance between the tip of the sail 110and the neighboring yardarm 304 is at its smallest, which allows forpossible slack on the lanyard 112. Alternatively, if the lanyard isformed of an elastic material or stiff material, it may be the case thatthe lanyard 112 remains taught in all positions.

As noted above, the present invention can be employed to use a series ofsails configured in a tiered fashion. For example, FIG. 4A is aperspective-view illustration of a wind turbine 400 constructed inaccordance with one aspect of the present invention. Although notlimited thereto, FIG. 4A illustrates a four-tier (401, 403, 405, and407) high arrangement of sail assemblies 100. The sails 110 can beformed in any suitable shape to capture wind and operate as a sail, anon-limiting example of which includes rectangular-shaped sails orsquare-shaped (rigged) sails.

The sails 110 are pivotally attached with the yardarms to open and closeat the tip of parallel horizontal yardarms 104 and 106, demonstrating acontinuity of order of sails in action. Each sail 110 relates to thenext as they alternate in simultaneous succession against the force ofwind pressure in down-wind, and up-wind directions, respectively. Theeffect rotates a vertical main shaft 102, to bring about rpm power atground level. Although illustrated with respect to only the first tier401, it should be understand that the sails 110 in all tiers (e.g., 403,405, and 407) include a lanyard 112 that is attached with a neighboringyardarm. It should also be understood that the main shaft 102 isobscured in the figure by a vertical support column 410.

As noted above, multiple tiers with multiple yardarms can be connectedwith the wind turbine to capture wind energy. For example, FIG. 4B is atop-view illustration of multi-tiered sail assemblies (such as thatdepicted in FIG. 4A). For example, FIG. 4B illustrates the first tier401 and second tier 403 sail assembly. FIG. 4B illustrates the effectthat wind has on multiple yardarms 104 with pivotally attached sails 110that pivot by wind force to best capture the wind energy. As described,the sails 110 against wind pressure rotate a vertical main shaft 102 tobring about the effect of rpm power at ground level.

FIG. 5 is a side-view illustration of the wind turbine 400. The exampledepicted is a four-tiers high construction (each tier having a sailassembly) that includes variable rectangular sails 110 that are attachedwith the yardarms through pivotal attachment at the tip of parallel andhorizontal yardarms 104 and 106, cross-connected and corner braced 108,to the vertical main shaft 102.

The wind turbine 400 includes a main deck 402 that is used to stabilizethe structure. A lower end of the vertical main shaft 102 goes through abearing 404 to equalize stability and gravitate the exerting forcerevolving on the top surface of a main deck 402. The bearing 404 is anysuitable mechanism or device capable of stabilizing the main shaft 102,a non-limiting example of which includes a ball-joint four-roller thrustbearing. The bottom end of the vertical main shaft 102 goes through mainbearings 406, then through the center of the main deck 402.

As the main shaft 102 passes through main deck 402, it provides arotating stem 500 that can be used for power take-off by a powertake-off system. Thus, the sails 110 in their sail frames rotate themain shaft 102 to rotate a low, heavy massive base structure tomechanize the enhanced inertial effect.

In other words and as depicted in FIG. 6, the power take-off system 600is any suitable mechanism or device that is capable of converting therotational forces of the rotating stem 500 into electricity. As anon-limiting example, the power take-off system 600 is anelectromagnetic generator can be attached with the stem 500 via a beltsystem 602 such that as the stem 500 rotates, it causes a current to beformed via magnets and a coil to generate electricity, which can bepassed into an electrical grid and/or used with other devices. As yetanother example, a gearbox connected to a generator assembly willconnect to the wind turbine system and drive the gearbox from the powertake-off at the rotating stem 500.

As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, there are alternativedesigns for the power take-off. For example, although FIG. 4A depictsthe power take-off as having a four roller thrust bearing revolving onthe top surface of a main deck 402, the present invention is notintended to be limited thereto. Additional variations to the powertake-off can be accomplished by means of a vertical main-shaft axis ofrotation base in a secure socket resting on rotatable thrust bearings inthe socket, and a power take-off gear above the socket to be connectedto a gearbox and generator assembly at ground level. Additionalconfigurations can be envisioned by one skilled in the art given thedescription herein.

As noted above, the present invention can include any suitable number oftiers of rotating sail frame structures. For example and referring againto FIG. 4A, four tiers (401, 403, 405, and 407) of sail frame structurescan be employed to capture and harness a tremendous amount of windenergy. In stacking the tiers, a support structure needs to be includedmaintain the erected wind turbines. As such, the present inventionincludes a front support column 410, two side support columns 412 and414, and a rear support column (not illustrated). It should beunderstood that any suitable number of support columns can be used tomaintain stability of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, lateralcross-braces 502 are then joined together at the vertical main shaft102, at the middle and top of the support columns, and coupled byself-aligning split bearings 504 (or any other suitable bearing orroller system).

To further support the turbine 400, guy-wire can be attached with thestructure. As a non-limiting example, a three-way guy-wire 506 can beattached in two places on each support column (e.g., 410 and 414), andthen anchored to the ground to add support. It should be understood thatthe support columns can be secured to the base (footing) with or withoutguy-wires 506, depending on the desired stability and how high thesupport columns extend above a ground surface.

FIG. 7 shows another example, where the turbine 400 includes three-tiersof sail assemblies, shown as tier one 700, tier two 702, and tier three704. In this example, the wind turbine 400 includes vertical louvers 706used as rectangular sails in a sail frame 701. Importantly, the verticallouvers 706 can be selectively opened 708 and closed 710 to cause thesails to capture the wind and rotate the corresponding sail assembly.For example, when the vertical louvers 706 are opened 708, wind passesthrough the sail which prevents the sail assembly from rotating.Alternatively, when the vertical louvers 706 are closed 710, the louvers706 form the sail and cause the sail to rotate and, thereby, rotate theassembly. The louvers 706 are opened 708 and closed 710 using anysuitable mechanism or technique. For example, a motor can be used todrive a chain that runs within the sail frame 701 and connects with endsof each of the louvers 706 (similar to vertical blinds), therebyallowing a system and/or user to selectively open 708 and close 710 thelouvers 706.

As yet another non-limiting example, the louvers 706 can be formed torotate freely, with the exception of a stop that limits their rotation.For example, wind blowing against the louvers 706 will cause the louvers706 to rotate within the sail frame 701 until they hit a stop. At whichpoint, the louvers 706 are in a closed 710 position, which would causethe sail assembly to rotate. As the sail assembly rotates, at somepoint, the wind force against the louvers 706 is coming from a differentdirection, which blows the louvers 706 to an open 708 position. In theopen position, the yardarm holding those louvers 706 is free to rotatepast until wind catches the louvers 706 again and forces them into aclosed 710 position.

A breaking system to stop rotation of the wind turbine will require allsails to remain in a closed position before the breaking system isapplied. As a non-limiting example, a lanyard/stop control mechanism andcounter can be included such that after an adequate number of rotationshave been achieved before servicing, the lanyards or stops will then bemoved to allow the sails to fully open. Once fully opened, the sailswill not capture wind to act as a sail and, thus, the system will stoprotation.

As noted above, the present invention can be applied to any sailconfiguration.

For example, FIG. 4A depicts four sails on each tier of the wind turbine400. Alternatively, FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a two and three sailconfiguration, respectively. For example, FIG. 8A is a top-viewillustration, depicting two sails 110 attached with a two-arm yardarm800 structure. Also depicted is the wind's impact on the position of thesails 110. As yet another example, FIG. 8B is a top-view illustration,depicting three sails 110 attached with a three-arm yardarm 802structure and the corresponding wind impact on the sail's 110 position.The configurations depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B work well in a current ofwater. The sails open to 90 degree at the tip of parallel horizontalyardarms, then close to 45 degree. This angle of pitch is to advance thesails operating in wind and in water.

In another aspect, the turbine described herein can be a submergedturbine system to be used in an underwater current with a gearbox andgenerator assembly supported above water. Another aspect of the presentinvention includes a wind turbine assembly with louver type sails inframes that pivotal attach to parallel horizontal yardarms. In yetanother aspect, the wind turbine system includes a floating barge, agearbox connected to a generator and the wind turbine assembly thatdrives the gearbox.

Yet another aspect is depicted in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is an illustration ofopposite counter-rotating rotors with sail assemblies 900 and 902 thatrotate in opposite directions and have sails 110 that oscillate freelyin an arc of 45 degrees. Each of the sail assemblies 900 and 902 isconnected with a main shaft that provides a power take-off. For example,the first sail assembly 900 includes an inner shaft 904 that operates asa rotor and that includes bevel gears 910 that provide a power take-off.Additionally, the second sail assembly 902 has an outer shaft 906 thatoperates as a rotor and that also includes bevel gears 908. The outershaft 906 can be hollow to allow the inner shaft 904 to passtherethrough. Thus, both assemblies 900 and 902 can double the absolutespeed delivered to the planetary or bevel gearbox.

In summary, the present invention is a vertical-axis wind turbine thatincludes a base, a vertical main shaft and a sail assembly attached tothe main shaft. The sail assembly includes sails that are pivotallyattached to parallel and horizontal yardarms. The sails are hinged tooscillate freely in an arc of 45 degree. The wind turbine can beone-to-four tiers high (or any number of tiers) with at least one sailassembly per tier. Wind power causes the sail assemblies to rotate themain shaft, which includes a gearbox and a multiple generator assemblyat the power take-off. Advantages to this design are that it eliminatesall residual resistance effect (drag) from the up-wind sails whileefficiently increasing the down-wind sail ability to generate power.Combining these improvements has substantially increased RPM power.Further, the axis of rotation is accessible to both wind and water,while driving higher absolute speed to the gearbox or generator.Additional advantages of this design are that it is scalable, simple tomanufacture, can be formed to include several stacked tiers of sails,can harness wind energy on land or at offshore installations, and itdoes not require rotation to accommodate the direction of wind/watercurrent.

1. A square rigged sail wind turbine, comprising: a first sail assembly,the first sail assembly including: a main shaft having a vertical axisof rotation; a first yardarm connected with and extending horizontallyfrom the main shaft; a first sail pivotally connected with the firstyardarm, wherein the sail is formed to pivot about a sail pivot axisbetween an open position and a closed position relative to the firstyardarm, whereby in the closed position, the sail harnesses power fromwind energy to rotate the main shaft, then opens to relieve windpressure.
 2. The square rigged sail wind turbine as set forth in claim1, further comprising a second sail pivotally connected with the firstyardarm such that the main shaft is connected with the first yardarmbetween with the first and second sails.
 3. The square rigged sail windturbine as set forth in claim 2, further comprising a second yardarmconnected with and extending horizontally from the main shaft such thatthe second yardarm is parallel with respect to the first yardarm, thefirst and second yardarms collectively forming a first yardarm set, andwherein each of the first and second sails is pivotally connected withand between both the first and second yardarms.
 4. The square riggedsail wind turbine as set forth in claim 3, wherein the main shaftincludes a shaft stem for providing power take off to a power take offsystem.
 5. The square rigged sail wind turbine as set forth in claim 4,further comprising a second set of parallel yardarms, the second set ofparallel yardarms extending from the main shaft approximatelyperpendicular to the first set of parallel yardarms, and furthercomprising two sails pivotally connected between each of the yardarms inthe second set of parallel yardarms such that the main shaft isconnected with the second set of parallel yardarms between each of thetwo sails.
 6. The square rigged sail wind turbine as set forth in claim5, further comprising a lanyard attached with each sail for limitingmotion of each sail about the sail pivot axis.
 7. The square rigged sailwind turbine as set forth in claim 6, wherein the lanyard is connectedbetween each sail and a neighboring yardarm for limiting motion of eachsail about the sail pivot axis.
 8. The square rigged sail wind turbineas set forth in claim 7, further comprising a second sail assembly, thesecond sail assembly having a main shaft connected with the main shaftof the first sail assembly such that the first sail assembly and thesecond sail assembly share a vertical axis of rotation, and wherein thesecond sail assembly further comprises two sets of parallel yardarmsextending from the main shaft, each set of parallel yardarms having twosails pivotally connected between the parallel yardarms, wherein thefirst and second sail assemblies form a multiple tiered and stacked windturbine.
 9. The square rigged sail wind turbine as set forth in claim 8,further comprising support columns connected with the vertical mainshaft and for anchoring with a ground surface to support the main shaftin a vertical orientation.
 10. The square rigged sail wind turbine asset forth in claim 9, further comprising a main deck with bearingspositioned therein, wherein the shaft stem passes through the bearingsto provide the power take off to a power take off system.
 11. The squarerigged sail wind turbine as set forth in claim 10, further comprising aball-joint four roller thrust bearing for positioning on the main deck,with the main shaft passing therethrough, thereby providing stability tothe main shaft and support weight of the sail assemblies.
 12. The squarerigged sail wind turbine as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: asecond yardarm connected with and extending horizontally from the mainshaft such that the second yardarm is parallel with respect to the firstyardarm, the first and second yardarms collectively forming a firstyardarm set with the first sail pivotally connected between both thefirst and second yardarms; and a second sail pivotally connected betweenwith the first and second yardarms such that the main shaft is connectedwith the first and second yardarms between the first and second sails.13. The square rigged sail wind turbine as set forth in claim 12,further comprising a second set of parallel yardarms, the second set ofparallel yardarms extending from the main shaft approximatelyperpendicular to the first set of parallel yardarms, and furthercomprising two sails pivotally connected between each of the yardarms inthe second set of parallel yardarms such that the main shaft isconnected with the second set of parallel yardarms between each of thetwo sails.
 14. The square rigged sail wind turbine as set forth in claim13, further comprising a lanyard attached with each sail for limitingmotion of each sail about the sail pivot axis.
 15. The square riggedsail wind turbine as set forth in claim 14, wherein the lanyard isconnected between each sail and a neighboring yardarm for limitingmotion of each sail about the sail pivot axis.
 16. The square riggedsail wind turbine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the main shaftincludes a shaft stem for providing power take off to a power take offsystem, and further comprising a main deck with bearings positionedtherein, wherein the shaft stem passes through the bearings to providethe power take off to a power take off system.
 17. The square riggedsail wind turbine as set forth in claim 16, further comprising aball-joint four roller thrust bearing for positioning on the main deck,with the main shaft passing therethrough, thereby providing stability tothe main shaft and support weight of the sail assemblies.
 18. The squarerigged sail wind turbine as set forth in claim 1, further comprising asecond sail assembly, the second sail assembly having a main shaftconnected with the main shaft of the first sail assembly such that thefirst sail assembly and the second sail assembly share a vertical axisof rotation, and wherein the second sail assembly further comprises atleast one yardarm extending from the main shaft, the yardarm having asail pivotally connected thereto, wherein the first and second sailassemblies form a multiple tiered and stacked wind turbine.
 19. Thesquare rigged sail wind turbine as set forth in claim 1, furthercomprising support columns connected with the vertical main shaft andfor anchoring with a ground surface to support the main shaft in avertical orientation.
 20. The square rigged sail wind turbine as setforth in claim 1, further comprising a lanyard attached with the sailfor limiting motion of the sail about the sail pivot axis.